From George O’Connor,  Communications Director, Congressman Mike Bost

Washington, D.C. – In response today to U.S. Representative Mike Bost’s July 28th inquiry into allegations of mismanagement at the Marion VA Medical Center, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs gave little indication that it had serious concerns regarding the current leadership or its management of the facility.

“The allegations of mismanagement at the Marion medical center are serious, and it is important that the federal government show urgency in getting to the bottom of it,” said Bost. “When word of potential nepotism, employee intimidation, and whistleblower-retaliation exist, we can’t afford to leave any stone unturned in either debunking the charges or fixing the problem. Southern Illinois’ heroes deserve swift action on this. To that end, I will be formally requesting a face-to-face meeting with Secretary Shulkin to discuss this matter as soon as possible.”

Fowler To Receive Compensation As Consideration For Retirement

http://nash-news.com/breaking-news/nchs-board-approves-retirement-agreement-superintendent-ernie-fowler/

NASHVILLE, IL-  (Alex Haugland, The Nashville News.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

The Board of Nashville Community High School approved a retirement agreement with District Superintendent Ernie Fowler following their regular meeting for the month of September, which was held on Monday, September 25, when no action was taken, then reconvened on Tuesday, September 26, when the board approved the retirement agreement before adjourning.

Fowler has been a controversial figure at the school and in the community following the “Volleyball” column written by him and published by this newspaper. At the end of the 2016-2017 school year, the Nashville Education Association, the teachers’ union, made a statement of “no confidence” in Fowler as well.

The board refused to comment on the conditions of the retirement agreement that they had approved at the meeting. The district did release the agreement the following day, Wednesday, September 27.

On Wednesday, September 27th at 8:47 a.m. a male caller reported via 911 that there was a bomb in the Courthouse. The Franklin County Courthouse was evacuated as well as the County Office Building (Campbell Building), on the Southeast side of the Benton Public Square. With the assistance of the Benton Police, Benton Fire Department and Franklin County E.M.A., the Public Square was closed to traffic and a K-9 Bomb I.E.D. team requested.

A U. S. Air Force K-9 team responded from Scott Air Force Base. The two buildings were searched and nothing was found. The Courthouse and County Offices reopened at 1:00 p.m.

This is under investigation and leads are being pursued. The case is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the F.B.I. and the United States Marshall’s Service.

by Steve Dunford

BENTON and MARION, IL – Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has opened the Franklin County Courthouse and Public Square. Sheriff Jones would like to thank the public and the various agencies that responded to assist during this incident.

Williamson County Emergency Management Agency issued a statement around noon stating the Williamson County Courthouse would open and 1:15 p.m.

Around 8:45 a.m. this morning the West Frankfort Police dispatched received a 911 call that  an ” improvised explosive device on the second floor of the courthouse.  The threat did not state whether it was the Franklin or Williamson County Courthouse.

Over the last hour, a bomb detection unit from Scott Air Force Base cleared the courthouse.  A drone from Franklin County Emergency Management agency scanned the rooftop of the courthouse and surrounding buildings, and nothing was detected.

Any further developments will be shared as the become available.